I love sunsets. I love that time of day when the energy and hurried rush of the day begin to calm, the sun drops down in the sky and light begins to fade. It’s that nightly curtain call that gives me time to take a breath and delight in the majestic splendor of the sky as it changes colors and dims. This is my favorite time of day to be outside. I love being able to sit quietly as the sun sets and let my mind wander as I revel in it’s beauty and let go for a while. I like to slip into my thoughts and recommit to being kind to myself. I enjoy listening to music, sitting in deep thought and letting the light disappear around me.

It’s been a while since I sat and enjoyed this time of day the way I like to. Last night, I happen to be outside at twilight and I realized how long it had been since I took a moment to enjoy this opportunity, reflect and slow down. So I did.

As I looked at the sky of purple and orange clouds, I realized that I have slowed down on my journey, even hit a plateau. I longed to feel lifted and inspired. I started to think about what this could mean for me and why I may be feeling this way. There could be a lesson here for me. A spiritual plateau is a place to rest. Or, it may be a test. It can be a time to stabilize, absorb, collect, receive and integrate all that I have learned.

I’m hoping to catch my breath and push farther for greater growth after this rest. But rest is also important. I want to keep growing, use the tools and be in the moment. Resting doesn’t have to mean slipping backwards, it presents a chance to practice what we have cultivated.

Feeling a spiritual plateau can present a great opportunity to take a look around. Maybe you are coming up against something you have dealt with before and have never been able to push through. Are you feeling stagnant against familiar road blocks? Maybe now you have more power to break them down. The journey continues, so break them down or move them aside this time. See the opportunity and push forward, don’t let it pull you under. Your hardest challenges present your biggest opportunities for growth.

And then I started to imagine myself on the other side of this plateau. Where am I going and what is next for me? I started to feel a bit of inspiration and anticipation… could just recognizing the plateau be enough to move past it?

Today I played tennis for the first time in a few weeks. I’ve been taking lessons for a year now and today was the first day of the new session. It was good to feel my strong legs under me after not playing for a while. Last year when I started to learn the game I felt nervous and clumsy, but today I felt strong and ready to play. At the end of last session I was feeling frustrated, like I had hit a plateau. So, as I started to volley, I recalled my thoughts from the night before about how I was feeling spiritually stagnant. I started to realize the parallel between my physical game and my mental game. So I took a moment to visualize myself playing well and set an intention to use thoughtful and mindful swings and volleys. I took my time and followed through each shot. The lessons I had learned over the past year all seemed to click and flow and I played the best tennis of my life. I’m still a beginner, but I felt a confidence today that I haven’t felt since I started playing.

I broke right through my plateau.

So I’m riding the wave after my tennis lesson today, it was a nice little boost for me. I needed that. And now I’m feeling more open to receiving what is next for me on my journey. It’s up to us to see the possibilities available and only you can create opportunities to see things in a plateau busting way. When you feel stuck or stale, like you need some inspiration, just look around and see it… it’s all around you waiting to be discovered.

Every evening gives you an opportunity to reflect. Every day is a new chance to renew a promise or redefine your path. And, every morning is a gift. Tear off the wrapping and get excited to see what’s in store! How would your life be different if you started each day as if it was going to be nothing short of amazing?!